Automatic mortar and pestle device



Feb. 9, 1954 A. DOSCHEK AUTOMATIC MORTAR AND sssm: DEVICE Filed July 5, 1950 INVENTOR. An tony ,Dosche/r HIS ATTORNE Y5 Patented Feb. 9, 1954 AUTOMATIC MORTAR AND PESTLE DEVICE AntonyiDoschek, Crafton,.Pa., assignorto Joseph S. Frost, Grafton, Pa., and James F. Caulley Brownsville,'Pa.

Application Julyt5, 1950,:Serial N0. 172,151

'8 Claims.

This invention relates broadly to an automatic mortar and pestle :device, -:and more specifically ":to'n :new and improved apparatus for makin nma'lgams, such for example as are employed in connection with dental work. An object of this invention is to produce a simple and effective triturating mechanism which is automatic in operation 'and is capable of being readily disassemtied and assembled :to facilitate cleaning.

A further object is to produce apparatus of the character described which is provided with a time-responsive control device.

These and other objects, which will be made more apparent throughout the further description of the invention,-are accomplished by means or apparatus such as is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is an isometric View of apparatus embodying my invention. Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1 and discloses a mortar, a pestle and-an electromagnet forming details of my invention and the positional .relationship of these parts which maybe employed 'in apparatus embodying my invention.

Figure 3 is 'a diagram of an operating circuit which may 'be employed in apparatus embodying ".my invention.

--My'=in-vention broadly consists of a special arrangement of an associated mortar and pestle and an actuating mechanism for the pestle. .More specificallystated, my invention includes as its essential parts a spring-supported pestle located in cooperative relation with a mortar,- an electromagnet for actuating the pestle, an electric circuit for delivering energizing current to the magnetic coil and a time control switch within the circuit for controlling the delivery of energizing current to the magnetic coil of the magnet. 1

.As shown in Figure 2 a mortar 5 is supports one. magnetic casing .6 in which a magnetic coil 1 is located. A pestle '8, shown projecting into the mortar, is supported by a coiled spring 9 which, in the illustrated embodiment, surrounds the upper portion of the mortar. The spring is shown as secured at one end to the pestle 8 and as seated on a .flange It which surrounds the mortar and is an integral part of it. The flange It) performs the double function of supporting the spring ,9 on the mortar and supporting the mortar on the casing B. The casing 8 is preferably formed of iron and is a part of the electromagnet which includes the coil .1. The casing B .a field piece I2, constitute the iron circuit '2 of the electromagnet and increase the efficiency of the magnet by directing the flow linesin the magnetic held.

In the illustrated embodiment of my invention, the mortar is substantially cylindrical and the flange i0 is located intermediate its ends. Asa result the lower portion of the mortar, when in the assembled position, projects into the in- .terior of the casing B. For this reason the casing is provided with a circular aperture H formed in its upper face and the flange it seats on the portion of the casing which surrounds the aperture ll.

The electromagnetic coil 1 is annular in form and is so located within the casing 6 thatitsurrounds that portion of the mortar which projects through the aperture H; The field piece l2 projects upwardly into the casing and is coaxially located with the coil l and projects into the central opening of the coil to a point immediately below or in contact with the bottom of the mortar. l

The ,pestleis formedof magnetic material, such for example as steeh It is also provided with-a head 13 which is recessed, as shown, so as to receive the upper end of the coiled spring 9 and removably secure the spring to the pestle. The coiled spring is of such form and length that it is capable of retracting the pestle from a position, withrelation to the mortar, such as shown in Figure 2, and to a position such as is indicated in Figure l, in whichthe lower end of the pestle remains in the mortar but is located adjacent the upper end thereof. The strength of the spring is such as to normallyhold the mortar in the position just described but to permit it to respond to the magnetic field of the magnetic coil 1 when the coil is energized. The length and strength of the spring 9 are so proportioned as to control the amplitude of the reciprocations of the pestle and particularly the extent of its downward movement. The arrangement being such that the magnetic force applied will be capable of moving the lower end of the pestle into close proximity with the bottom of the mortar but will prevent it from striking the bottom of the mortarwith sufiicient force to injure it.

An annular gasket 14, formed of rubber or other suitable material, is located around the upper end of the pestle immediately below the head l3. The pestle is specially formed so as to provide an annular shoulder 15 which extends around it intermediate its ends. This shoulder is provided to prevent mercury or other material from splashing out of the mortar as the pestle descends into the mortar. For this reason the lower face of the shoulder I5 extends substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the pestle and the shoulder tapers upwardly toward the portion of the pestle which carries the gasket I4. The gasket also aids in preventing mercury and other material from splashing out of the mortar and the tapered face of the shoulder I5 contributes to a ready flow back into the lower portion of the mortar, of such materials as pass between the shoulder and the inner cylindrical face 'of the mortar, during the reciprocations of the pestle.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the pestle, in responding to the magnetic field induced by the electromagnet, acts as a solenoid. For this reason the mortar is formed of nonmagnetic material, i. e., of a material such, for example as austenitic stainless steel, ceramic material or some other material having nonmagnetic characteristics.

The solenoid coil I may receive its energizing current from any available source such, for example, as a service line carrying 60 cycle 110 volt current. I have, therefore, shown an ordinary plug-in connector I 6 as the source of current for the circuit shown in the wiring diagram of Figure 3. In the diagram, the electromagnet is shown at M. A current rectifier I! is also included in the circuit of the diagram and. as shown, may be of the copper oxide, dry disk type, i. e., a rectifier which passes one phase of an alternating current but checks the flow of current in the opposite dire tion. The circuit is also provided with an a justable rheostat I8 for varying the current delivered to the solenoid coil I. An onand-off switch I9 is located in one leg of the circuit and a time control switch 20 is shown as also located in that leg. Thus in order to deliver energizing current to the solenoid coil I. the hand control switch I9 must be closed. The time control switch is then closed and set. thus completing the control circuit of the magnetic coil Iiand at the same time setting the timer mechan sm.

In Figure 1 I have shown the complete apparatus in which a casing 2| not only encloses the casing 6. the coil 1, the field piece I2 and the energizing circuit for the coil 1, but also encloses the mortar 5 and the timing mechanism for the switch 29. As there shown the upper end of the mortar 5 proiects upwardly into or ad acent to an aperture 22 formed within the casing 2 I. The aperture 22 is of such size that the mortar may be readily introduced into and removed from the casing. The coiled spring 9 is shown in Figure 1 in its extended position and the pestle is, therefore. shown in its raised or uppermost position. An operating handle 23 for actuatin the switch I 9. is also shown as proiecting throu h the casing 2|. The control mechanism for the timing valve 20 is diagrammatically shown as including a clockwork-actuated arm 25 which may be turned to various positions around a dial 26 to set the timing of the switch 20. The arm 25 is shown in the neutral or open-switch position and is turned by hand in the direction of the arrow. associated with the dial 26, to close the switch 20. This movement of the arm 25 winds or energizes the clock mechanism. which returns the arm 25 to the initial position and opens the switch. The clock mechanism here illustrated, is similar to a commercial type of 4 it is to be understood that the clockwork mechanism is preferably spring-actuated, although it may be electrically actuated.

When the switches I9 and 20 are closed the energizing current delivered to the solenoid coil I is a pulsating current and if the source of current supplied to the solenoid circuit is 60 cycle current, the pestle 8, in responding to the pulsating magnetic field, will reciprocate at the rate of 60 cycles per second. Observation by means of a stroboscopic light has disclosed that while operating at this rate the pestle also has a lateral or swinging motion which is at the rate of about 40 cycles per second. In addition, the manner of mounting the coiled spring 9, i. e., securing it at one end only, and then to the pestle, permits a gradual rotation of precession of the pestle during its cyclic movements. This rotational movement is undoubtedly occasioned by the manner in which the spring is mounted and the fact that slightly unequal pressures areexerted by diametrically opposed portions of the mechanism now on the market and its structural details are, therefore, not described except that spring as the pestle is raised and lowered in response to the pulsating magnetic field in which it is located.

Apparatus embodying my invention has proved to be highly effective as a mortar and pestle device. It not only has materially reduced the time fOr making amalgams for dental use but also has improved the amalgams so made. It has the further advantage of being self-actuating and self-timing. For this reason, after the operator has ascertained the time required for pulverizing a given amount of a particular material, he merely measures the material as to amount, places it in the mortar and sets the timing mechanism of the switch 20 in order to duplicate previous results. The apparatus has also materially shortened the time required for accomplishing such operations as are involved in the making of amalgams. The improvement in the quality of the amalgams produced, is probably due to the pounding and grinding action of the pestle on the materials going into the make-up of the amalgam, and also to the fact that each amalgam-producing operation may be substantially similar to some prior operation, from the standpoint of time involved, amount of materials used and the amount of work done on such materials. In commenting on quality of amalgams. I am comparing them with amalgams produced by prior mechanical amalgamators and those now on the market.

The saving in time results from the effective ness of the apparatus and is contributed to because the apparatus may be quickly assembled and disassembled for cleaning purposes. The coiled spring 9 is secured only to the pestle and is so secured that it may be readily removedfrom the pestle. The mortar may be easily and quickly removed from its supporting casing 6 and can be again installed on the casing 6 and in the proper relationship with the magnetic coil I, by merely dropping it through the aperture 22 formed in the upper face of the casing 2|. After the mortar is in place, the pestle-with the coiled spring secured thereto-is dropped into the mortar. This places the free end of the spring 9 on the flange I0, shown as integrally formed with the mortar,

The casing 2|, as is usual practice with casings of this general type, is provided with a readily removable back which gives access to the magnetic or solenoid coil I. the clockwork mechanism for timing the operation of the switch 20and It 'might also be noted bottom of the-casing -21 andgif so mounted, may

' be" removed from its operative position centrally of the'solenoid' coil 1, when the casing B "is removed from the gca-sing 2 1. In :any event, the piece I2 may be removed through the apertures 4.-l. a'nd '22 after thesolenoid and the parts .sup-

vported thereby'ai'e removed from their normal posit'ion'w'ithin the casing 2 l While I have disclosed but one embodiment of my invention, it will be apparent that the parts going into the make-up of that embodiment may be changed as to form and to some extent as to the relative positioning and that Various additions, omissions and substitutions may be made in the apparatus illustrated without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention as defined by the appended claims.

What I claim is:

l. A mortar and pestle device comprising a separately formed nonmagnetic mortar having a spring seat secured thereto; a magnetic pestle located in operative relationship with said mortar; a coiled spring removably secured to said pestle, surrounding the upper portion of said mortar and supported on said spring seat; a casing supporting said mortar and apertured to receive the lower portion thereof; a magnetic coil located within said casing and surrounding the lower portion of said mortar; means for periodically energizing said coil to impart cyclic motion to said mortar; and timing means for controlling said first mentioned means.

2. A mortar and pestle device comprising a separately formed nonmagnetic mortar having a spring seat secured thereto; a magnetic pestle located in operative relationship with said mortar; a coiled spring removably secured to said pestle, surrounding the upper portion of said mortar and supported on said spring seat; a casing supporting said mortar and apertured to receive the lower portion thereof; a magnetic coil located within said casing and surrounding the lower portion of said mortar; an electric circuit including said coil; means for delivering alternating current to said circuit; and a time control switch for controlling the delivery of energizing current through said circuit to said coil.

3. A mortar and pestle device comprising a separately formed mortar; a separately formed pestle; a coiled spring surrounding the upper portion of said mortar and supporting said pestle in operative relationship with said mortar; a casing constituting a support for said mortar and said spring and apertured to receive the lower portion of said mortar; a magnetic coil located within said casing and surrounding the adjacent portion of said mortar; an electric circuit for delivering energizing current to said coil; a current rectifier located within said circuit; a control switch within said circuit; and a clockwise mechanism for timing the closing of said switch.

4. In a mortar and pestle device, a mortar having a substantially cylindrical elongated cavity formed therein; a spring-supported pestle projecting into and located in substantial alignment with said cavity and having a splash-preventing shoulder formed thereon intermediate the ends thereof with the lower face of said shoulder extending substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of such cavity and into proximity with the lateral face thereof and with the unner portion of said shoulder tapered toward the-upper end of the pestle; and a gasket surrounding said pestle adjacent the tapered portion of said shoulder and forming a splash-preventing means extending between said pestle and the lateral face of such cavity.

5. A mortar and pestle device comprising an open top nonmagnetic mortar having a springsupporting, external flange secured thereto; a magnetic pestle extending into the open top of said mortar and movable toward and away from the bottom thereof; in combination with a solenoid coil for energizing said pestle, a magnetic casing for said coil; a magnetic field piece constituting a core for said coil and extending partially through the cavity of said coil; said mortar projecting through said aperture into the cavity of said coil to a point in proximity with one end of said field piece; a coil spring secured to said pestle and surrounding the upper end of said mortar and seated on said flange; and means for delivering energizing current to said coil.

. 6. A mortar and pestle device comprising an electromagnetic coil of substantially annular form; a magnetic casing therefor surrounding said coil and having a mortar-receiving opening formed in the upper portion thereof in substantial alignment with the cavity of said coil; a magnetic field piece located within such cavity and extending from one end thereof to an intermediate point within the coil; an open top, nonmagnetic mortar having an external supporting flange formed thereon intermediate the ends thereof; said mortar extending through said aperture into the cavity of said coil to a point adjacent the upper end of said field piece; with said flange in mortar-supporting engagement with said casing; a magnetic pestle extending into the said mortar and movable toward and away from the bottom of said mortar; a coil spring support for said pestle, surrounding the upper portion of said mortar, seated on said flange and normally holding said pestle in an elevated position above the bottom of said mortar and an electric circuit including said coil and means for delivering a pulsating current to said circuit to thereby energize said coil.

'7. A mortar and pestle device comprising a separately formed non-magnetic mortar having a substantially cylindrical cavity; a separately formed magnetic pestle projecting into and substantially aligned with said cavity; a spring supporting said pestle and normally yieldingly holding the same spaced from the bottom of said cavity; a casing apertured to receive the lower portion of said mortar; a magnetic field piece located within said casing below and in contact with said mortar; a magnetic coil located within said casing surrounding said field piece and a portion of said mortar; and means for delivering energizin current to said coil for actuating said pestle.

8. A mortar and pestle device comprising a non-magnetic mortar having a substantially cylindrical cavity formed therein; a magnetic pestle projecting into said cavity and in substantial alignment therewith; a spring seated on and sur-' rounding the upper portion of said mortar and normally yieldingly supporting said pestle in spaced relationship with the bottom of the cavity of said mortar; a magnetic casing supporting said mortar and apertured to receive at least the lower portion of said mortar; a magnetic coil .for energizing said pestle located within said the delivery of said current.

ANTONY DOSCHEK.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Keep July 3, 1866 Number Number 0 Number Name Date Fowler Mar. 5, 1867 Smyth Dec. 6, 1898 Hale Nov. 5, 1901 Jellison Apr. 15, 1930 Chott July 30, 1940 Whitlock Apr. 4, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great Britain Aug. 29, 1935 Germany Dec. 13, 1935 

